A group of local concerned citizens in the Playas del Coco area have put together a gofundme page to raise $8,000 to help the good Dr. replace her car. The organizer of the GoFundMe page states: “Dra. Irena is one of the kindest most empathetic people you will ever have the pleasure to meet, she gives but never takes for herself, she works tirelessly everyday to save Howler Monkeys, please help her smile again.”

According to local residents Dr. Irena plays a major role in carrying out the mission of the Sibu sanctuary, to “rescue injured, orphaned, and displaced wild animals and provide them immediate medical care, rehabilitation, and eventual release into the wild.”

One of the biggest issues in this region of Costa Rica is wildlife climbing on the power lines and being shocked. Sibu is working with local power authorities to try and reduce this risk but in the meantime a significant number of climbing creatures (such as Howler Monkeys) are injured each year requiring urgent veterinary care.

If anything positive can be taken from the theft of the doctor’s car, her plight has brought to light the need to help protect local wildlife in the region. The Tank Tops Flip Flops clothing company is hosting a special charity event on September 15th (Costa Rica Independence Day) to help raise money for the Sibu Sanctuary.

“We’re always on the lookout for worthy causes to help and this definitely qualifies”, says Michael Simons, owner of TankTopsFlipFlops and owner/broker of several RE/MAX offices in Costa Rica. “Costa Rica is my home and I care about it deeply. How can we not help such a wonderful organization as the Sibu Sanctuary? It’s a no-brainer.”

The Sibu Sanctuary fundraising event will be held at the BAMBU beach bar in Playas del Coco on September 15th. Those wishing to help out can find more information about the fundraiser on this page on the Tank tops flip flops website.